Haleyville spoils PC homecoming

The Haleyville Lions spoiled the Phil Campbell homecoming, beating the Bobcats 13-12.

Phil Campbell jumped out to a quick 12-0 first quarter lead on some big plays. Haleyville, however, was able to take the lead with a score late in the first quarter and midway through the second quarter – thanks, in part, to five unsportsmanlike conduct calls on the Bobcats.

The Bobcats got their first score with 8:24 to go in the first quarter when Noah Raper found an opening around the right side of the Haleyville defense. He sprinted 27 yards for the Bobcats’ first score.

The two-point conversion attempt failed, giving Phil Campbell a 6-0 lead.

After forcing a Haleyville punt, Phil Campbell struck again on the next drive. This time Kyle Pace hit Blain Goodson in stride for a 61-yard touchdown pass to take a 12-0 lead with 4:58 to go in the first quarter.

On that touchdown pass, however, there was an unsportsmanlike call on the Bobcats that would be assessed on the ensuing kickoff. It was the first of four unsportsmanlike calls on Phil Campbell that would lead to an ejection and a Haleyville score, cutting into the Bobcats lead, 12-7.

Haleyville scored again midway through the second quarter on a 6-yard run, taking a 13-12 lead.

Neither team would score again for the remainder of the game, giving Haleyville the win.

Raper carried the ball 23 times for the Bobcats for 83 yards. Phil Campbell’s leading runner, Bryant Hyde, had to leave the game in the first quarter with an injury, and he never returned.

Phil Campbell outgained Haleyville 277 yards to 186 yards; the Bobcats, however, had nine penalties for 115 yards.

Faith Cook was crowned the Phil Campbell High School Class of 2021 Homecoming Queen at halftime.

Phil Campbell will travel to Colbert Heights Friday night.